A Spectacular Fall Foliage Hike in the Arnold Arboretum

Gosh - it truly was a stunning autumn hike in the Arnold Arboretum with stunning GO guys!  The weather could not have been any better for our 4.5 mile traipse around the entire preserve, where we all were absolutely amazed at the spectacular, brilliant fall foliage - not to mention the great company!  It being an arboretum and as guys who appreciate the wonders of nature, we carefully examined many of the magnificent trees, including the lindens, oaks, pines (especially the Dawn Redwoods and Eastern Hemlocks!), birches, elms and catalpas.  After scaling two if the highest peaks in the City of Boston, we reached the humongous rose garden, where many of the shrubs were still in fantastic and colorful bloom!  After roaming through the extensive and colorful maples, we traipsed across a large wetland, where Jon pointed out the massive carpets of wood sorel and the eye-popping, brilliantly crimson Virginia Creeper draping the huge surrounding trees.  At last, we had to end our incredible foray into this natural urban enclave, and we sadly parted ways.  That said, a few of us lucky ones continued the camaraderie over a plentiful and delicous dinner at the Galway House pub in the nearby and happening center of Jamaica Plain.     

Come on along for a sure-to-be spectacular fall foliage through the always scenic Arnold Arboretum.  Beginning at the main entrance, our hike will take us throughout the entire preserve for about 4.5 miles.  To get us revved up for scary Halloween time, we'll visit some spooky sites, including Hemlock Hill, where we might sense the spirits of the lost souls from the 19th century Bussey Woods murders, then we'll wander through the ancient burying ground with its eerie, crumbling stones and the graves of 18th century smallpox victims.  But all that spookiness aside, the Arboretum is a 300-acre treasure run by Harvard University on land owned by the City of Boston.  It's a National Historic Landmark, and it's one of the finest examples of landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted.  Please wear your good hiking shoes & warm layed clothes and bring a water and a snack (if you'd like to).  After composing oursleves following the spooky & scenic hike, we'll head over to the nearby & lively Jamaica Plain center where we can schmooze over an early dinner at a local eatery.  Steady rain cancels.